Dean Whare : « I’ve been to France once and I always wanted to come back »
Dean Whare, the new Catalans Dragons player, answered a few questions for Treize Mondial. From last season with Penrith to his new home in France.
First of all, how did you live last season at the Panthers, where you only played the first 10 rounds ?
Last season was a good year. We started off with an awesome preseason and good start to the year. But the round 10, I had a foot injury were I was meant to get surgery and be out for the year but I tried to avoid it and it wasn’t the same. And with the team winning 17 straight games, it was hard to get back in the squad.
So how do you feel physically ? How is your foot ?
Never felt better. We started preseason january 4th and I have been full on the last 5 weeks train in 35-40 days. My body is in excellent condition and my foot is fully healed now. Just need time which I had heaps of that last year.
When did you have your first contacts with Catalans and why did you chose them ?
It was 2 weeks ago. Everything happened so fast. Alex and Steve (NDLR, Alex Chan et Steve McNamara, Catalans general manager and coach) were keen to get me over and I jumped at the opportunity. Having boys in the team I played with made it easier as well. (NDLR, Dean played with James Maloney and Ben Garcia at Penrith and Sam kasiano with the New Zealand Kiwis)
Thanks for the transition… Are you happy about playing alongside James Maloney again ? Even if you will have to defend for him ?
Yep he’s been hassling me the last week, seeing if I have signed yet but I am keen to hit the field with him again. Well as long as I get earlly some early balls I’ll be happy to make those tackles.
Ben Garcia will be your future captain.
Yep, I heard that news. He will be an awesome captain.
What do you know about France ?
Only what I have seen on TV shows and in movies. I’ve been to France once on a New Zealand Tour for a few days and I always wanted to come back.
When do you plan to arrive in France ?
Hopefully plan to arrive as soon as possible, just waiting on visas a the moment.
Treize Mondial
